Young Fan AKA Spider-Man Rebounds For Donovan Mitchell
Aug 27, 2019, 11:15 AM
Donovan Mitchell of the USA signs autographs as he leaves the court after the warm-up before the International Friendly Basketball match between Canada and the USA at Qudos Bank Arena on August 26, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, Australia – Utah Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell made one young fan’s dreams come true when he had the fan, who was dressed as Spider-Man, come onto the court and rebound for him during warmups.
The young superhero showed up to the game between Team USA and the Canadian National Team at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. Sitting on the front row dressed in a Spider-Man costume the fan held a small sign with pictures of Mitchell and a message saying, “Spida… I’m your biggest fan!”
The Jazzman’s nickname is Spida and has frequently been associated with anything related to Spider-Man.
Mitchell, needing some help with his pregame routine, had the young fan come onto the court and said, “You’re gonna rebound for me, is that cool?”
“You’re gonna rebound for me, is that cool?” – @spidadmitchell
🏀: 🇺🇸v🇨🇦
⏰: 5:30am/et
📺: @NBATV
💻: https://t.co/HbtDcrWR7x pic.twitter.com/j0K8B9rDKe— NBA (@NBA) August 26, 2019
Spider-Man helped the Jazz star get some shots up before the North American squads faced off.
After the warm-up was over, Mitchell signed Spider-Man’s poster and took a few pictures with him.
Mitchell: Fan Favorite and Crowd-Pleaser
The Jazz guard is no stranger to interacting with fans before and after games. Throughout each of his seasons in the NBA, Mitchell has been known to interact with the crowd and autograph memorabilia.
Jazz star Donovan Mitchell signing autographs for the fans at @SLCSummerLeague! https://t.co/4kU961CZ7h #SLCSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/9VxIsHRGgT
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 3, 2019
He’s also had a lot of practice when it comes to taking selfies with fans.
🕷️🖊️
Donovan Mitchell signs autographs and takes selfies pre-game in Utah! #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/29D4S2Sg6S
— NBA (@NBA) January 31, 2018
Mitchell even began a tradition where he signs his shoes after his pregame warmup and gives them away to a lucky fan.
We don't know what's bigger, the kid's smile or @spidadmitchell's shoes 😄 pic.twitter.com/6DkYAcENgD
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 15, 2019
The pregame routine must have been on point as Mitchell and Team USA went on to beat Canada 84-68. Mitchell finished the game with 12 points and 4 assists.
What’s next for Donovan Mitchell and Team USA?
USA Basketball has wrapped up their four warmup games in preparation for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. They finished with a 3-1 record, experiencing their first loss in international play since 2006 when they fell to Australia in the third exhibition.
Up next, Mitchell and Team USA will head to China for the World Cup which runs from August 31 to September 15.
The United States will open the international tournament on September 1 when they face the Czech Republic in Shanghai. The game air on ESPN+ at 4:30 a.m. (MDT).
